We primed the SATNAV and off we went and it took us in the direction of Bilbao where we scouted the outskirts of this very large city and then followed the Motorway South. In France we use a special electronic badge to pass through Motorway pay stations and we now have one for Spain and today would be the first time to try. As we approached the ‘Peage’ there were no obvious signs that we recognised except there was one that looked like a letter Y and we thought let’s try that and see what happens and hope we don't get stuck and cause a massive hold up. We approached the small entrance to the channel and suddenly we heard PING and the barrier lifted, and so did our hearts as we now know what to do.
We headed south and roads were very quiet and so we could use the ‘speed control’ which means you don not have to keep your pedal to the metal all the time and it makes for easier driving although it can be a little bit disconcerting for the first few minutes as you seem not to be in control, but that soon passes.
We stopped for fuel and the Loo and a sandwich and then back to the Motorway heading South as the temperature slowly climbed form 23 C up to 29 C as we passed through mile after mile of vineyards with well known brands advertising there presence. we arrived in to Zaragoza and had booked to stay in a Conference type Hotel which when no conferences are taking place you get a five start hotel for a three star price . The room is extremely nice with a single plate of glass overlooking the swimming pool and also the river and town where we plan to visit tomorrow.
“Zaragoza is the capital of north-eastern Spain's Aragon region. Overlooking the Ebro River in the city centre is baroque Nuestra Señora del Pilar basilica, a famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary and multiple domes. Mudéjar-style landmarks, combining Islamic and Gothic architecture, include the Aljafería, an 11th-century Moorish palace, and the Cathedral of the Savior, begun in the 12th century.”
We have been before some years and its a lovely city when down town but like many big cities in Spain around the outside are Industrial Estates and Warehouses but the area we are staying in is rather newish, perhaps in the last three years its has grown in to anew development, presumably paid for by EU money.
Noel spent the rest of the early evening catching up with the Blog and we plan to have a drink in the bar and dinner in the restaurant and being Spain will not open until about 20.30 , most restaurant’s in Spain do not open until about 21.00 except those in the heavy tourist area.
We plan to take a bus tour tomorrow and then spend some time by the pool.
